BIO

Jacob Blickenstaff is a photographer and writer who has devoted his creative career to examining the places where sound and image intersect.

As a trusted and empathic collaborator, Jacob has worked with recording artists and record labels on over 50 album packaging projects and publicity campaigns, including nine album covers for Daptone Records—notably Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings’ Soul of a Woman, I Learned the Hard Way, and It’s a Holiday Soul Party—as well as projects for Natalie Merchant, Joe Jackson, Joe Henry, The Marcus King Band, Valerie June, and Jazzmeia Horn.

Jacob has published photo-based features in Rolling Stone, The New York Times, NPR Music and Mother Jones. As a contributing photographer to The New York Times, he has worked alongside leading cultural critics covering pop, jazz, hip-hop and classical music.

With broad musical knowledge and experience that covers every angle, Jacob is able to not just create the pictures, but understand how they are used to define and differentiate an artist in their album packaging, press coverage and marketing, and, most importantly, in the hearts and minds of music lovers. 

"I have to say I was very touched by how dedicated you were getting all the details right, I have a high regard for anyone who still nurtures their equipment, thinks about lighting and composition… it's almost a thing of the past." - Daniel Lanois

“You seem to know what you’re doing.” - Patti Smith

“I sure like the way you roll.” - Joe Henry

“I feel like working with you propelled this record cycle a thousand times further than it would have gone before you came into my life. - Valerie June

“He's not only a talented photographer but a pure delight to work with. I could only give him the highest recommendation.” - Natalie Merchant

RECORD LABEL CLIENTS

Concord Records, Nonesuch, Glassnote Records, Daptone Records, Colemine Records, Lighting Rod Records, ANTI-, Ramseur Records, Warner Music Group, Thirty Tigers, New West Records, Norton Records

RECENT FEATURES

Mother Jones - On The Road - Series

Rolling Stone: Low Cut Connie Rip Up the Stage - January 4, 2019

The New York Times: Photos We Loved in 2018 - December 28, 2018

NPR Music: Sharon Jones Remembered in Pictures - December 19, 2017

The New York Times: Sharon Jones, A Queen Among Dap-Kings - November 23, 2016

Rolling Stone: Sharon Jones Gets Her Groove Back - February 12, 2014